Light emission device, light emission device driving method, and projector

ABSTRACT

A light emission device includes: first and second clad layers sandwiching an active layer; a first electrode connected with the first clad layer; and second electrodes connected with the second clad layer, at least part of the active layer forms gain areas corresponding to the second electrodes, the gain areas extend from a first side to a second side of the active layer while inclined to a vertical of the first side, at least first and second gain areas form a set of gain areas and a plurality of sets are provided, the first and second gain areas in each set are disposed perpendicular to a direction extending from the first side to the second side, the second electrodes above the first gain areas are interconnected by a first common electrode, and the second electrodes above the second gain areas are interconnected by a second common electrode.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a light emission device, a lightemission device driving method, and a projector.

2. Related Art

Recently, a laser device capable of emitting laser beams having highluminance and preferable color reproducibility has been expected as alight emission device suited for a light source of a display apparatussuch as a projector and a display. According to this laser device,however, speckle noise generated by mutual interference betweenirregular reflection lights on a screen surface can be a problem in somecases. For overcoming this problem, JP-A-11-64789 proposes a method forreducing speckle noise by moving a screen and varying speckle patterns,for example.

However, the method disclosed in JP-A-11-64789 introduces other problemssuch as limitation to the type of screen, the need of a motor for movingthe screen and other components, and generation of noise from the motorand the like.

In addition, for meeting the recent demand for high output,JP-A-4-115585 proposes a method for arraying a light source.

The method shown in JP-A-4-115585 uses a laser device as a lightemission device for the light source. Thus, the problem of speckle noisestill arises.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a novel typeof arrayed light emission device and driving method of the lightemission device capable of reducing speckle noise and increasing output.It is another advantage of some aspects of the invention to provide aprojector including the light emission device.

A light emission device according to a first aspect of the inventionincludes: a first clad layer; an active layer disposed above the firstclad layer; a second clad layer disposed above the active layer; a firstelectrode electrically connected with the first clad layer; and secondelectrodes electrically connected with the second clad layer. At least apart of the active layer forms a plurality of gain areas. The pluralsecond electrodes are provided in correspondence with the plural gainareas. The plural gain areas extend from a first side of the activelayer to a second side of the active layer opposed to the first sidewhile inclined to a vertical line of the first side in the plan view. Atleast a first gain area and a second gain area included in the pluralgain areas form a set of gain areas. A plurality of the sets of the gainareas are provided. The first gain area and the second gain areaincluded in each set of the gain areas are disposed in this order in asecond direction perpendicular to a first direction extending from thefirst side to the second side in the plan view. The second electrodesdisposed above the plural first gain areas are electrically connectedwith one another by a first common electrode. The second electrodedisposed above the plural second gain areas are electrically connectedwith one another by a second common electrode.

According to this structure, the light emission device which is arrayedand capable of reducing speckle noise and achieving high output can beprovided.

In the following description of the invention, a term “above” is used insentences such as “a particular object (hereinafter referred to as B) isprovided above another particular object (hereinafter referred to asA)”. According to the description of the invention, this sentencecontains both a condition in which the B is provided directly on the Aand a condition in which the B is provided above the A with a furtherobject interposed between B and A.

In addition, in the description of the invention, a phrase “electricallyconnected” is used in sentences such as “a particular component(hereinafter referred to as D component) is electrically connected withanother particular component (hereinafter referred to as C component).According to the description of the invention, this sentence containsboth a condition in which the C component and the D component areelectrically connected with each other by direct contact and a conditionin which the C component and the D component are electrically connectedwith each other via a further component interposed between the C and Dcomponents.

the light emission device of the first aspect may be configured suchthat each of the plural sets of the gain areas further includes a thirdgain area. The first gain area, the second gain area, and the third gainarea included in each of the plural sets of the gain areas may bedisposed in this order in the second direction in the plan view. Thesecond electrodes disposed above the plural third gain areas may beelectrically connected with one another by a third common electrode.

According to this structure, the light emission device which is arrayedand capable of reducing speckle noise and achieving high output can beprovided.

The light emission device of the first aspect may be configured suchthat an end surface on the first side and an end surface on the secondside do not overlap with each other in each of the plural gain areas inthe plan view as viewed from the first side.

According to this structure, oscillation of laser beams generated in thefirst gain areas and the second gain areas can be securely reduced orprevented.

The light emission device of the first aspect may be configured suchthat the end surface on the first side is shifted from the end surfaceon the second side in the second direction in each of the plural gainareas. The end surface on the first side in the first gain area mayoverlap with the end surface on the second side in the second gain areaadjacent to the first gain area in the plan view as viewed from thefirst side.

According to this structure, each distance between the first gain areasand the second gain areas decreases, and the light emission densityincreases. Thus, the high-output and compact light emission device canbe provided.

The light emission device of the first aspect may be configured suchthat the second electrodes contact a contact layer allowing ohmiccontact with the second electrodes. Each plane shape of the plural gainareas may be the same as each plane shape of the contact surfaces of thesecond electrodes in contact with the contact layer.

According to this structure, the contact resistance of the secondelectrodes can be reduced by the contact layer.

The light emission device of the first aspect may be configured suchthat the first common electrode and the second common electrode areconductive layers. The first common electrode and the second commonelectrode may extend in the second direction in the plan view.

According to this structure, the light emission device can be composedof one chip.

A method for driving the light emission device of the first aspect, themethod includes: supplying voltage to the first common electrode suchthat lights can be emitted from the respective end surfaces in theplural first gain areas; and stopping the supply of voltage to the firstcommon electrode and supplying voltage to the second common electrodesuch that lights can be emitted from the respective end surfaces in theplural second gain areas.

According to this light emission device driving method, the lightemission device which is arrayed and capable of reducing speckle noiseand achieving high output can be driven by the method.

A projector according to a second aspect of the invention includes: thelight emission device according to the first aspect of the invention; alight modulation device which modulates light emitted from the lightemission device according to image information; and a projection devicewhich projects an image formed by the light modulation device.

According to this projector, speckle noise can be reduced, and thus aclear image can be displayed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a light emission deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the lightemission device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an active layer of the light emission deviceaccording to the embodiment as viewed from a first side.

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating the light emissiondevice according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically illustrating the light emissiondevice according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating amanufacturing step of the light emission device according to theembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating amanufacturing step of the light emission device according to theembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating amanufacturing step of the light emission device according to theembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating amanufacturing step of the light emission device according to theembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a light emissiondevice according to a first modified example of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a lightemission device according to a second modified example of theembodiment.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrating a projector according to theembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

1. Light Emission Device

A light emission device 100 according to an embodiment of the inventionis now described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan viewschematically illustrating the light emission device 100. FIG. 2 is across-sectional view schematically illustrating the light emissiondevice 100 taken along a line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 does not showinsulation portions 116 for easy understanding of the figure. In thisembodiment, the light emission device 100 constituted by a semiconductorlight emission device in InGaAlP (red) will be discussed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light emission device 100 includesa first clad layer 104, an active layer 106, a second clad layer 108, afirst electrode 112, second electrodes 114, a first common electrode180, and a second common electrode 182. The light emission device 100can further include a substrate 102, a contact layer 110, and theinsulation portions 116.

The substrate 102 is a first conductive type (such as n-type) GaAssubstrate, for example.

The first clad layer 104 is provided on the substrate 102. The firstclad layer 104 is an n-type AlGaP layer, for example. Though not shownin the figure, a buffer layer may be formed between the first substrate102 and the first clad layer 104. The buffer layer is an n-type GaAslayer, an InGaP layer or the like. The buffer layer increasescrystallinity of the layers formed above the buffer layer.

The active layer 106 is provided on the first clad layer 104. The activelayer 106 has multiple quantum well (MQW) structure which laminatesthree layers of quantum well structure constituted by InGaP well layerand InGaAlP barrier layer, for example. The active layer 106 has arectangular parallelepiped shape (including cube shape) or other shapes.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the active layer 106 has a first side 105 anda second side 107. The first side 105 and the second side 107 areopposed to each other. According to the example shown in the figure, thefirst side 105 and the second side 107 extend parallel with each other.

A part of the active layer 106 constitutes a plurality of gain areas. Afirst gain area 162 and a second gain area 164 included in the pluralgain areas constitute each set of gain areas 160 (gain area set 160).That is, each set of the gain area sets 160 has the two gain areas 162and 164. Though not shown in the figure, each set of the gain area sets160 may have three or more gain areas (see FIG. 10 showing a firstmodified example described later) with no specific limitation to thenumber of the gain areas.

As illustrated in the plan view of FIG. 1, the gain areas 162 and 164extend from the first side 105 to the second side 107 while inclined toa vertical line P of the first side 105. This arrangement reduces orprevents oscillation of laser beams generated in the gain areas 162 and164. According to the example shown in the figure, the first gain areas162 and the second gain areas 164 are inclined to the vertical line P atthe same angle. It is therefore considered that the first gain areas 162and the second gain areas 164 extend parallel with one another. Eachshape of the gain areas 162 and 164 in the plan view is parallelogram,for example.

Each of the first gain areas 162 has a first end surface 170 disposed onthe first side 105, and a second end surface 172 disposed on the secondside 107. According to the example shown in the figure, the first endsurface 170 is shifted from the second end surface 172 in a seconddirection (+Y direction) perpendicular to a first direction (+Xdirection) extending from the first side 105 to the second side 107. Theend surfaces 170 and 172 can be provided as emission slopes for emittinglights generated in the first gain areas 162. Each of the second gainareas 164 has a third end surface 174 disposed on the first side 105,and a fourth end surface 176 disposed on the second side 107. Accordingto the example shown in the figure, the third end surface 174 is shiftedfrom the fourth end surface 176 in the second direction. The endsurfaces 174 and 176 can be provided as emission slopes for emittinglights generated in the second gain areas 164. In this case, it ispreferable that each reflectance of the sides 105 and 107 is as small as0% or close to 0% in the wavelength range of the lights generated in thegain areas 162 and 164. For example, though not shown in the figure, thereflectance of the sides 105 and 107 can be decreased by covering thesides 105 and 107 with anti-reflection film. The anti-reflection film isdielectric multilayer film, for example. More specifically, theanti-reflection film may be multilayer film produced by laminating SiO₂layer and SiON layer in this order from the first side 105. Moreover,though not shown in the figure, emission of lights can be made allowedonly from either the first end surface 170 or the second end surface 172of each of the first gain areas 162, for example, by providingreflection film (total reflection film or dielectric multilayer filmmirror) on either the first side 105 or the second side 107.

The gain area sets 160 are plural sets of gain areas disposed in thesecond direction (+Y direction). The example shown in the figureincludes three sets of the gain area sets 160, but the number of sets ofthe gain area sets 160 is not specifically limited. The first gain area162 and the second gain area 164 included in each set of the gain areasets 160 are disposed in this order in the second direction. It is thusconsidered that the first gain area 162 and the second gain area 164 arealternately disposed.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the active layer 106 as viewed fromthe first side 105. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first end surface 170and the second end surface 172 do not overlap with each other in thefirst gain area 162. Similarly, the third end surface 174 and the fourthend surface 176 do not overlap with each other in the second gain area164. According to this arrangement, direct multiple reflection of lightsgenerated in the first gain area 162 does not occur between the firstend surface 170 and the second end surface 172. Similarly, directmultiple reflection of lights generated in the second gain area 164 doesnot occur between the third end surface 174 and the fourth end surface176. As a result, direct resonator is not formed, and thus oscillationof laser beams generated in the gain areas 162 and 164 can be reduced orprevented. In this case, a shift width x between the first end surface170 and the second end surface 172 in the first gain area 162, forexample, may have any length as long as the length has a positive valueas illustrated in FIG. 3.

Though not shown in FIG. 3, the first end surface 170 of one of the twoadjoining first gain areas 162 (the adjoining first gain areas 162 withthe second gain area 164 interposed therebetween) does not overlap withthe second end surface 172 of the other first gain area 162 in the planview as viewed from the first side 105 (see FIG. 1). Similarly, thethird end surface 174 of one of the two adjoining second gain areas 164does not overlap with the fourth end surface 176 of the other secondgain area 164. When the first end surface 170 of the one first gain area162 overlaps with the second end surface 172 of the other first gainarea 162, there is a possibility that direct multiple reflection occurseven between the end surfaces of the different types of the gain areasdepending on the efficiency of confinement of the gain areas. However,in case of the arrangement of the end surfaces in this embodiment,direct multiple reflection does not occur, and thus oscillation of laserbeams generated in the gain areas 162 and 164 can be more securelyreduced or prevented.

On the other hand, the first end surface 170 of the first gain area 162can overlap with the fourth end surface 176 of the second gain area 164in the plan view as viewed from the first side 105 as illustrated inFIG. 3. According to this arrangement, the distance between the firstgain area 162 and the second gain area 164 decreases, and thus lightemission density increases. As will be described later, the first gainarea 162 and the second gain area 164 alternately emit lights. Thus,direct multiple reflection does not occur between the end surfaces 170and 176 even when the end surfaces 170 and 176 overlap with each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second clad layer 108 is provided on theactive layer 106. The second clad layer 108 is a second conductive type(such as p-type) AlGaP layer or the like.

For example, the p-type second clad layer 108, the active layer 106 notdoped, and the n-type first clad layer 104 constitute a pin diode. Eachof the first clad layer 104 and the second clad layer 108 has a largerband gap width and a smaller refractive index than those of the activelayer 106. The active layer 106 has a function of amplifying light. Thefirst clad layer 104 and the second clad layer 108 between which theactive layer 106 is sandwiched have a function of confining injectioncarriers (electrons and positive holes) and light.

When forward bias voltage of a pin diode is applied between the firstelectrode 112 and the second electrodes 114 by the light emission device100, the electrons and positive holes are re-combined in the gain areas162 and 164 of the active layer 106. This re-combination causes lightemission, and induced stimulated emission which occurs from the startpoint corresponding to the light emission position in a manner of chainreaction. As a result, the light intensity is amplified in the gainareas 162 and 164. For example, a part of lights generated in the firstgain areas 162 is amplified within the first gain areas 162, and emittedthrough the first end surfaces 170 or the second end surfaces 172.Similarly, a part of lights generated in the second gain area 164 isamplified within the second gain areas 164, and emitted through thethird end surfaces 174 or the fourth end surfaces 176. It is thusconsidered that the gain areas 162 and 164 are light propagation areas(waveguide areas).

The contact layer 110 is provided on the second clad layer 108. Thecontact layer 110 is constituted by a layer allowing ohmic contact withthe second electrodes 114, for example. The contact layer 110 reducescontact resistance of the second electrodes 114. The contact layer 110is a p-type GaAs layer, for example.

The first electrode 112 is formed on the entire area of the lowersurface of the substrate 102. The first electrode 112 can contact thelayer allowing ohmic contact with the first electrode 112 (the substrate102 in the example shown in the figure). The first electrode 112 iselectrically connected with the first clad layer 104 via the substrate102. The first electrode 112 is one of the electrodes for driving thelight emission device 100. The first electrode 112 is produced bylaminating a Cr layer, an AuGe layer, an Ni layer, and an Au layer inthis order from the substrate 102, for example. A second contact layer(not shown) maybe formed between the first clad layer 104 and thesubstrate 102 and exposed by dry-etching or other method. In this case,the first electrode 112 is disposed on the second contact layer. By thismethod, single-sided electrode structure can be formed. This structureis particularly effective when the substrate 102 has insulationcharacteristics.

The second electrodes 114 are disposed on the contact layer 110. Theplural second electrodes 114 are provided in correspondence with theplural gain areas 162 and 164. The surfaces of the second electrodes 114contacting the contact layer 110 have plane shapes similar to those ofthe gain areas 162 and 164. In this case, the current paths between theelectrodes 112 and 114 are determined by the plane shapes of the secondelectrodes 114, for example, and the plane shapes of the gain areas 162and 164 are determined in accordance with the determined current paths.The second electrodes 114 are electrically connected with the secondclad layer 108 via the contact layer 110. The second electrodes 114correspond to the other electrode for driving the light emission device100. The second electrodes 114 are produced by laminating a Cr layer, anAuZn layer, and an Au layer in this order from the contact layer 110,for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the insulation portions 116 are disposed onthe contact layer 110 and between the plural second electrodes 114. Itis thus considered that the insulation portions 116 contact the contactlayer 110 positioned above the active layer 106 not having the gainareas 162 or 164. Each of the insulation portions 116 is an SiN layer,an SiO₂ layer, or a polyimide layer, for example.

The first common electrode 180 and the second common electrode 182 areformed above the second electrodes 114. The first common electrode 180electrically connects the second electrodes 114 disposed above theplural first gain areas 162. According to the example shown in FIG. 2,contact holes 190 are formed on the insulation portions 116 positionedabove the first gain areas 162, and the first common electrode 180 andthe second electrodes 114 are connected by the contact holes 190 filledwith the first common electrode 180. Similarly, the second commonelectrode 182 electrically connects the second electrodes 114 disposedabove the plural second gain areas 164. It is thus considered that theinsulation portions 116 are provided above the second electrodes 114 inthe areas other than the contact holes 190. As illustrated in FIG. 1,the common electrodes 180 and 182 extend in the second direction (+Yaxis direction) in the plan view, for example. That is, the commonelectrodes 180 and 182 cross the gain areas 162 and 164 (the secondelectrodes 114). The common electrodes 180 and 182 are conductivelayers, and more specifically, layers of material containing copper,aluminum, gold, and others, for example. Though not shown in the figure,the plural second electrodes 114 may be electrically connected with oneanother by wire bonding.

A driving method of the light emission device 100 is now explained.FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the driving method of the light emission device100.

Initially, as illustrated in FIG. 4, voltage is supplied from anexternal power source (not shown) to the first common electrode 180. Asa result, lights 10 are emitted from the respective end surfaces 170 and172 of the plural first gain areas 162.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 5, voltage supply to the first commonelectrode 180 is cut off to stop light emission from the end surfaces170 and 172 of the first gain areas 162. Subsequently, voltage issupplied to the second common electrode 182. As a result, lights 20 areemitted from the respective end surfaces 174 and 176 of the pluralsecond gain areas 164.

These steps are repeated to alternately apply the lights 10 and 20 to alight receiving body. In this case, the density of the emitted lightscan be increased by instantaneous execution of the steps.

While the light emission device 100 in InGaAlP has been described inthis embodiment, the light emission device 100 may be constituted bymaterials in various systems capable of forming light emission gainareas. In case of semiconductor material, semiconductor in AlGaN, InGaN,GaAs, AlGaAs, InGaAs, InGaAsP, ZnCdSe, or in others may be employed.

The light emission device 100 according to this embodiment is applicableto a light source for a projector, a display, an illumination device, ameasuring device and the like.

The light emission device 100 in this embodiment has the followingcharacteristics, for example.

According to the light emission device 100, the gain areas 162 and 164extend from the first side 105 to the second side 107 while inclined tothe vertical line P as described above. Moreover, the end surfaces 170and 174 on the first side 105 do not overlap with the end surfaces 172and 176 on the second side 107 in the gain areas 162 and 164,respectively, in the plan view as viewed from the first side 105.Accordingly, oscillation of laser beams generated in the gain areas 162and 164 can be reduced or prevented, and thus speckle noise can bedecreased. Furthermore, before emitted to the outside, the lightsgenerated in the gain areas 162 and 164 receive gains while travelingthrough the gain areas 162 and 164. Thus, higher output lights can beproduced by the light emission device 100 than by a typical LED (lightemitting diode) in related art. Accordingly, the light emission deviceprovided in this embodiment is a novel light emission device capable ofreducing speckle noise and achieving high output.

According to the light emission device 100, the first end surface 170 ofthe first gain area 162 and the fourth end surface 176 of the secondgain area 164 adjacent to the first gain area 162 overlap with eachother in the plan view as viewed from the first side 105. In this case,the distance between the first gain area 162 and the second gain area164 decreases, and the light emission density increases. Thus, the lightemission device 100 becomes a high-output and compact device. Inaddition, lights are alternately emitted from the first gain areas 162and the second gain areas 164 as explained above. Accordingly, directmultiple reflection does not occur between the first end surfaces 170and the fourth end surfaces 176 even when both the surfaces 170 and 176overlap with each other, and thus oscillation of laser beams can bereduced or prevented.

According to the light emission device 100, lights are alternatelyemitted from the first gain areas 162 and the second gain areas 164.Thus, thermal interference between the adjoining gain areas 162 and 164can be prevented or reduced. The thermal interference herein refers totransmission of heat generated within one gain area to another gain areanext to the one gain area. The thermal interference lowers light outputand changes light emission wavelength in some cases. However, thisproblem does not occur in the light emission device 100.

According to the light emission device 100, the plural second electrodes114 can be electrically connected with one another by the commonelectrodes 180 and 182 constituted by conductive layers. Thus, the lightemission device 100 can be composed of one chip. When constitution byone chip is difficult, the plural second electrodes can be electricallyconnected by wire bonding, for example.

2. Manufacturing Method of Light Emission Device

The manufacturing method of the light emission device 100 according tothis embodiment is now described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 6through 9 are cross-sectional views schematically illustratingrespective steps for manufacturing the light emission device 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, epitaxial growths of the first clad layer 104,the active layer 106, the second clad layer 108, and the contact layer110 are allowed on the substrate 102 in this order. For epitaxialgrowths, MOCVD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) method, MBE(molecular beam epitaxy) method or the like is used.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, first parts 116 a of the insulation portions116 are formed on the contact layer 110. More specifically, the firstparts 116 a are produced by forming an insulation layer (not shown) onthe entire area and patterning the insulation layer. The contact layer110 is exposed by the patterning. The insulation layer is formed by CVD(chemical vapor deposition) method, coating method or other method. Thepatterning is performed by photolithography, etching or othertechnology.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the plural second electrodes 114 are formed onthe exposed areas of the contact layer 110 (i.e., on the areas of thecontact layer 110 not having the first portions 116 a). The secondelectrodes 114 are produced by vacuum deposition method or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, second parts 116 b of the insulation portions116 and the contact holes 190 are produced by providing an insulationlayer (not shown) on the entire area and patterning the insulationlayer. The contact holes 190 are formed in such a manner that the secondelectrodes 114 can be exposed through the contact holes 190.

Then, the common electrodes 180 and 182 are formed as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The common electrodes 180 and 182 are produced by vacuumdeposition method, sputtering method, or plating method, for example.The first common electrode 180 is so constructed as to connect theplural second electrodes 114 positioned above the first gain areas 162with one another. The second common electrode 182 is so constructed asto connect the plural second electrodes 114 positioned above the secondgain areas 164 with one another. Then, the first electrode 112 is formedon the lower surface of the substrate 102. The first electrode 112 isproduced by vacuum deposition method, for example. The first electrode112 may be formed before the second electrodes 114 are produced.

Manufacture of the light emission device 100 is now completed by thesesteps.

According to the manufacturing method of the light emission device 100,the light emission device 100 capable of reducing speckle noise andproviding high output can be produced.

3. Modified Examples of Light Emission Device

Light emission devices 200 and 300 according to modified examples ofthis embodiment are now described with reference to the drawings.According to the light emission devices 200 and 300, the same referencenumbers are given to parts having functions similar to those ofconstituent parts of the light emission device 100 in this embodiment,and the same detailed explanation is not repeated.

(1) The light emission device 200 in a first modified example isinitially explained. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustratingthe light emission device 200 in correspondence with FIG. 1. FIG. 10does not show the insulation portions 116 for easy understanding of thefigure.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, each set of the gain area sets 160 of thelight emission device 200 has the first gain area 162, the second gainarea 164, and a third gain area 266. The first gain area 162, the secondgain area 164, and the third gain area 266 included in each set of theplural gain area sets 160 are disposed in this order in the seconddirection (+Y direction) in the plan view. The shape, function and thelike of the third gain area 266 are similar to those of the first gainarea 162 and the second gain area 164 described above.

The second electrodes 114 provided above the plural third gain areas 266are electrically connected with one another by a third common electrode284. According to the example shown in the figure, the third commonelectrode 284 is disposed between the first common electrode 180 and thesecond common electrode 182. However, the first common electrode 180,the second common electrode 182, and the third common electrode 284 maybe positioned in this order in the first direction (+X direction), forexample. The shape, function and the like of the third common electrode284 are similar to those of the first common electrode 180 and thesecond common electrode 182 described above.

According to the light emission device 200 having the third gain areas266, the distance between the adjoining first gain areas 162, forexample, becomes longer than that of the light emission device 100.Thus, the effect of thermal interference can be further prevented orreduced.

(2) The light emission device 300 in a second modified example is nowexplained. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustratingthe light emission device 300 in correspondence with FIG. 2.

The light emission device 100 is an example of a so-called gainwaveguide type. However, the light emission device 300 is of a so-calledrefractive index waveguide type.

According to the light emission device 300, columnar portions 311 areconstituted by the contact layer 110 and a part of the second clad layer108 as illustrated in FIG. 11. The plane shapes of the columnar portions311 are the same as those of the gain areas 162 and 164. The currentpaths between the electrodes 112 and 114 are determined by the planeshapes of the columnar portions 311, for example, and the plane shapesof the gain areas 162 and 164 are determined based on the determinedshapes of the current paths. Though not shown in the figure, thecolumnar portions 311 may be formed by parts containing the contactlayer 110, the second clad layer 108, and the active layer 106, forexample, or by parts further containing the first clad layer 104. Inaddition, the sides of the columnar portions 311 may be inclined.

The insulation portions 116 may be provided on the sides of the columnarportions 311. The insulation portions 116 may be positioned in contactwith the side surfaces of the columnar portions 311. Current between theelectrodes 112 and 114 can flow in the columnar portions 311 sandwichedbetween the insulation portions 116 while avoiding the insulationportions 116. The insulation portions 116 may have smaller refractiveindex than that of the active layer 106. In this case, lights can beefficiently confined within the gain areas 162 and 164 in the planedirection.

4. Projector

A projector 400 according to this embodiment is now described. FIG. 12schematically illustrates the projector 400. FIG. 12 does not show ahousing of the projector 400 for easy understanding of the figure. Theprojector 400 containing the light emission device 100 as an example ofthe invention is herein discussed.

The projector 400 has a red light source (light emission device) 100R, agreen light source (light emission device) 100G, and a blue light source(light emission device) 100B, each of which is constituted by the lightemission device 100 according to this embodiment.

The projector 400 includes transmission type liquid crystal light valves(light modulation devices) 404R, 404G, and 404B for modulating lightsemitted from the light sources 100R, 100G, and 100B according to imageinformation, a projection lens (projection device) 408 for expandingimages formed by the liquid crystal light valves 404R, 404G, and 404Band projecting the expanded images on a screen (display surface) 410.The projector 400 may further include a cross dichroic prism (colorcombining unit) 406 for combining the lights received from the liquidcrystal light valves 404R, 404G, and 404B and guiding the combined lightto the projection lens 408.

The projector 400 further includes equalizing systems 402R, 402G, and402B for equalizing illuminance distributions of lights emitted from thelight sources 100R, 100G, and 100B at positions downstream from therespective light sources 100R, 100G, and 100B on the optical path, andapplies lights having illuminance distributions equalized by theequalizing systems 402R, 402G, and 402B to the liquid crystal lightvalves 404R, 404G, and 404B. Each of the equalizing systems 402R, 402G,and 402B contains a hologram 402 a and a field lens 402 b, for example.

Three color lights modulated by the respective liquid crystal lightvalves 404R, 404G, and 404B enter the cross dichroic prism 406. Thisprism is produced by affixing four rectangular prisms, and contains adielectric multilayer film for reflecting red light and a dielectricmultilayer film for reflecting blue light disposed in a cross shape onthe inner surface of the prism. The three color lights are combined bythese dielectric multilayer films to form light representing a colorimage. Then, the combined light is projected on the screen 410 by theprojection lens 408 as a projection system such that an expanded imagecan be displayed on the screen 410.

According to the projector 400, speckle noise can be reduced by the redlight source 400R, the green light source 400G, and the blue lightsource 400B. Thus, a clear image can be displayed by the projector 400.

While the transmission type liquid crystal light valves are used as thelight modulation devices in this example, light valves other than ofliquid crystal type, or of reflection type may be employed. Examples ofthese light valves include reflection type liquid crystal light valves,digital micromirror devices and the like. The structure of theprojection system may be changed according to the selected types oflight valves as necessary.

Moreover, the light emission device 100 is applicable to a scanning-typeimage display apparatus (projector) including a scanning unit as animage forming device which displays images having a desired size on adisplay surface by applying light from the light emission device 100 toa screen for scanning.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment and the modified examplesdescribed herein only as examples. Thus, the embodiment and the modifiedexamples can be combined, for example, for practicing the invention.

While the specific embodiment according to the invention has beendescribed and depicted in detail, it is easily understood for thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the substantial scope of the invention forproviding the novel points and advantages. As such, all modifiedexamples of the embodiment are included in the scope of the invention.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-144941,filed Jun. 18, 2009 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light emission device comprising: a first cladlayer; an active layer disposed above the first clad layer; a secondclad layer disposed above the active layer; a first electrodeelectrically connected with the first clad layer; and second electrodeselectrically connected with the second clad layer, wherein at least apart of the active layer forms a plurality of gain areas, the pluralsecond electrodes are provided in correspondence with the plural gainareas, the plural gain areas extend from a first side of the activelayer to a second side of the active layer opposed to the first sidewhile inclined to a vertical line of the first side in the plan view, atleast a first gain area and a second gain area included in the pluralgain areas form a set of gain areas, a plurality of the sets of the gainareas are provided, the first gain area and the second gain areaincluded in each set of the gain areas are disposed in this order in asecond direction perpendicular to a first direction extending from thefirst side to the second side in the plan view, the second electrodesdisposed above the plural first gain areas are electrically connectedwith one another by a first common electrode, and the second electrodedisposed above the plural second gain areas are electrically connectedwith one another by a second common electrode.
 2. The light emissiondevice according to claim 1, wherein: each of the plural sets of thegain areas further includes a third gain area; the first gain area, thesecond gain area, and the third gain area included in each of the pluralsets of the gain areas are disposed in this order in the seconddirection in the plan view, and the second electrodes disposed above theplural third gain areas are electrically connected with one another by athird common electrode.
 3. The light emission device according to claim1, wherein an end surface on the first side and an end surface on thesecond side do not overlap with each other in each of the plural gainareas in the plan view as viewed from the first side.
 4. The lightemission device according to claim 3, wherein: the end surface on thefirst side is shifted from the end surface on the second side in thesecond direction in each of the plural gain areas; and the end surfaceon the first side in the first gain area overlaps with the end surfaceon the second side in the second gain area adjacent to the first gainarea in the plan view as viewed from the first side.
 5. The lightemission device according to claim 1, wherein: the second electrodescontact a contact layer allowing ohmic contact with the secondelectrodes; and each plane shape of the plural gain areas is the same aseach plane shape of the contact surfaces of the second electrodes incontact with the contact layer.
 6. The light emission device accordingto claim 1, wherein: the first common electrode and the second commonelectrode are conductive layers; and the first common electrode and thesecond common electrode extend in the second direction in the plan view.7. A method for driving the light emission device according to claim 1,the method comprising: supplying voltage to the first common electrodesuch that lights can be emitted from the respective end surfaces in theplural first gain areas; and stopping the supply of voltage to the firstcommon electrode and supplying voltage to the second common electrodesuch that lights can be emitted from the respective end surfaces in theplural second gain areas.
 8. A projector comprising: the light emissiondevice according to claim 1; a light modulation device which modulateslight emitted from the light emission device according to imageinformation; and a projection device which projects an image formed bythe light modulation device.